Video streaming of the event available here!

We’d like to welcome you to the Third Global Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems Symposium (RPAS/3) which took place from 10 to 12 September 2018 in Chengdu, China. The theme of RPAS/3 covers topics “from accommodation to integration”. The event brought together key stakeholders from industry, academia, government and international organizations in the aviation sector, who exchanged research, best practices, lessons learned and the challenges they face.

Attention was given to complex issues that included categorization RPAS operations, a topic that needs to be addressed collectively in order to integrate RPAS into the global aviation system. RPAS/3 provided an opportunity for networking, collaboration and coordination between civil aviation authorities and the industry, with both new and existing stakeholders, which will allow us to move forward in this dynamic field.

The event provided a unique opportunity for assessing the status of regulations currently used in various parts of the world, with a view to fostering the emergence of a comprehensive and harmonized regulatory framework to support RPAS activities.

This is a rapidly evolving sector of the aviation industry and there was a lot of information that we can share. We recorded all of the sessions that took place over the three-day event, we are sharing all of the great presentations below!

Global Perspectives and Challenges:

Session 2: Categorization – responding to the rapid expansion and growth of the unmanned industry

The speed at which unmanned aviation is developing challenges the existing operational environment. A new paradigm for regulating these aircraft is needed that considers the aircraft and operation jointly.

Licensing and training of remote pilots is one of the pillars to enable safe RPAS operations. As ICAO’s regulatory framework is evolving with SARPs on these two topics already adopted, participants will share their experiences on strategies to transition from regulatory development to implementation.

Moderator:

Mr. TAI Feng, Air Navigation Commissioner, Second Vice President and Chairman of the Ad hoc Working Group on Implementation, ICAO

Aviation is an international activity which is supported through use of harmonized regulations. Panelists will discuss the benefits of working regionally and globally to implement regulations and oversee operations.

Day 2 – 11 September 2018

Session 5: RPAS Operations – beyond the paradigm of manned aviation

The unique characteristics of RPAS components, which differ in many ways from manned aviation, bring new challenges for RPAS operators. This session will discuss such challenges and new ways to safely accomplish the gradual transition of accommodation to integration.

Keynote Speech:

Ms. Poppy Khoza, Director of Civil Aviation, South Africa

Moderator:

Mr. Michael Gadd, Head of International Regulatory Affairs, Altitude Angel

Session 6: Integration Plans – issues to be addressed when integrating RPAS into the ATM system

The absence of an on-board pilot will necessitate some unique procedures in the integration of RPA into non-segregated airspace. ANSPs will be invited to discuss the challenges and risks associated with integration. What should ANSPs do to minimize the risk in order to seamlessly integrate RPA into the existing ATM system?

Session 7: Building a performance-based regulatory environment for RPAS operations – are States ready?

RPAS are creating a new industry with large economic potential. Their associated technologies and operating concepts are evolving rapidly. Globally, regulators are being challenged with the safe and efficient integration of RPAS into environments shared by a highly regulated and well-established manned aircraft industry. What regulatory and oversight solutions are currently available?

Technological advances can improve the safety and efficiency of our airspace but they also bring challenges. This session will showcase emerging technologies, their potential capabilities and the gaps or shortcomings as we look for interoperable solutions.

Day 3 – 12 September 2018

When introducing any new type of airspace user into the existing air navigation system, potential safety or efficiency impacts on other airspace users may emerge. This session will investigate the disruptive impact of RPAS operations on other airspace users and potential mitigations for maintaining a safe and efficient system.

Session 10: Civil and Military Collaboration – From Legacy to Partnership

Civil and military cooperation contributes to safety as well as capacity and efficiency of airspace. Collaboration enhances these further. As RPAS are introduced into the civil aviation environment, military lessons learned, as well as operational inputs, will optimize our progress on a regulatory framework that addresses all stakeholders’ needs safely and efficiently.